GRAPH ANALYSIS ACTIVITY: Human Impact on Climate and Weather

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GRAPH ANALYSIS ACTIVITY: Human Impact on Climate and Weather

Scientists are now closely monitoring how daily human activity is changing microclimates. There is concern that changing microclimates can have an effect on global climates. In this investigation, you will explore some of the ways that human activities are changing the atmosphere.

Problem: How do we know that human activity is changing Earth’s climates?

Directions:

1. Data Table 1 lists many of the types, sources, and amounts of primary pollutants. Use this table to answer Questions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 under Analyze and Conclude.

DATA TABLE 1 Estimated Nationwide Emissions (millions of metric tons/year)

Source / Carbon Monoxide / Particulates / Sulfur Oxides / Volatile Organics / Nitrogen Oxides / Total
Transportation / 43.5 / 1.6 / 1.0 / 5.1 / 7.3 / 58.5
Stationary source fuel combustion / 4.7 / 1.9 / 16.6 / 0.7 / 10.6 / 34.5
Industrial processes / 4.7 / 2.6 / 3.2 / 7.9 / 0.6 / 19.0
Solid waste disposal / 2.1 / 0.3 / 0.0 / 0.7 / 0.1 / 3.2
Miscellaneous / 7.2 / 1.2 / 0.0 / 2.8 / 0.2 / 11.4
Total / 62.6 / 7.6 / 20.8 / 17.2 / 18.8 / 126.6

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1. Look at Figure A. The pollutants listed are linked to a wide variety of negative health effects such as eye irritation, heart damage, and lung damage. The pollutants shown are also linked to reduced visibility, reduced crop yields, and damage to ecosystems. Use Figure A and answer Questions 6, 7 and 8.

1. Look at Figure B. Scientists have noted the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Research continues to determine whether these increasing levels are affecting global climates. Use Figure B to answer Question 9.

1. Look at DataTable 2. This table shows the average climatic changes and presents data on the effects produced by large cities on their surrounding microclimates. Summer temperatures in cities can be higher than the surrounding countryside. Meteorologists call this effect “the urban heat island.”Use the data in table 2 and answer Questions 10, 11, and 12.

Analyze and Conclude:

1. What is the leading source (by weight) of primary pollutants?

1. How many metric tons of pollutant are added to the atmosphere from this source each year?

1. Which is the most abundant primary pollutant?

1. Calculating - What percentage of all primary pollutants comes from your answer to question 1?

1. What is the approximate total weight (in million metric tons) of all primary pollutants added to the atmosphere?

1. Describe the general trend you see in the data for atmospheric pollutants prior to 1970 in figure A.

1. Describe the trend you see in the data for atmospheric pollutants since 1970 in figure A.

1. Suggest a reason for the changing of trends between questions 6 and 7.

1. What has been the approximate increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide near Mauna Loa since 1958? (figure B)

1. Compared to rural areas, which factors are increased by large cities? Which factors are decreased? (Table 2)

1. Of all of the factors shown, which shows the greatest increase due to urbanization? (Table 2)

1. Suggest a possible reason for the effects on the weather that is influenced by a city.